Common Sense Leadership [Paperback]

Roger Fulton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1995

Just as his first book, COMMON SENSE SUPERVISION (now in its fifth printing), helped the new manager to come to grips with new responsibilities, this book will help that manager with the next most important task—leadership. With the same easy manner and reliance on keeping things simple and clear, Roger Fulton prepares the new manager for the first role that leadership plays and explains how to master the principles that can make one effective.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

ROGER FULTON possesses more than 25 years of practical management and leadership experience in both public and private sectors. He has been operating his own management consulting firm since 1990. He lives in Glens Falls, New York.THE AUTHOR SCOOP

How did your book, Common Sense Management, come to be? When I got promoted to a supervisory position there was no management training, little guidance, and no mentor. I was thrust into that supervisory position and left to “sink or swim.” I vowed at that time that if I ever got the education, training, and experience to write a simple guide for others, I would. And I did. I hope it helps others who are thrust into management positions to succeed and make their business and personal lives less stressful, to say nothing about the increased quality of life for the people who have to work for them.If you had to boil down the message of Common Sense Management to one sentence, what would it be? No theories, no fluff; just good old common sense on how to succeed in the real world of management in any industry. How long did it take you to write Common Sense Management?Well, I had to take the time to make lots of errors, figure out how to correct them, deal with both competent and incompetent bosses (I learned from both), and I spent 13 years in night school and 25 years of practical experience in both the public and private sectors. Then I had to write the book. So the short answer is: a lifetime.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Ten Speed Press; 1 edition (July 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898157439
• ISBN-13: 978-0898157437
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #961,386 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Roger Fulton has always been a reluctant author. But when he couldn't find the simple books he wanted on how to be a supervisor and manager, he vowed to write one eventually. So once he had the education, training and experience to do so, he did! He has been a supervisor and manager in the military, in the private sector and in public service. In addition he trained management personnel across the country for many years as a part of his own consulting firm. Although his book Common Sense Management is appropriate for any industry, he also has a background in the law enforcement community and has written at least 3 management books specific to that industry as well. The author can always be reached through his webpage at www.RogerFulton.com or via e-mail at [e-mail].

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read for those who are new to leadership positions., December 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Common Sense Leadership (Paperback)

This book is easy to read in small bites, and is definitely not filled with the dry material that you would imagine such a subject to contain. It would be a great and useful present as a promotion gift to someone who has never before been in a management position. The quotes on each page by famous leaders add an interesting and historic touch.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Solid Information!, January 3, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Williamsburg, Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Common Sense Leadership (Paperback)

Roger does a great job of defining a leader. He takes a traditionally broad subject and narrows it so a First Line Supervisor to a CEO can understand it. And better yet, they can use the information immediately. I suggest any supervisor or manager get this book.

4.0 out of 5 stars On Target Leadership Common Sense, May 27, 2008

By 

Matthew Dodd (Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Common Sense Leadership (Paperback)

Fulton has put together a short, organized, and easy-to-read basic leadership primer that is well-suited for new and inexperienced leaders, but it can also be useful for experienced leaders interested in a quick leadership refresher.

The book is organized into seven chapters ("A Leader Prepares," "A Leader Is," "A Leader Supervises By," "A Leader Manages By," "A Leader Understands," "A Leader Leads By," and "A Leader Avoids") followed by a conclusion and two appendices ("Twenty-five negative (and positive) behavioral characteristics that can hinder (and help) potential leaders"). Each page focused on one chapter title-related leadership idea that was briefly explained and discussed in a few sentences or in two to three short paragraphs. Most pages left enough room for notes. At the bottom of each page was at least one well-chosen quote that reinforced the page's focus. I sensed Fulton's words were pregnant with meaning and personal experience, which definitely kept me interested. The chapters were good, but the appendices were of limited value.

Fulton introduced a wide range of leadership considerations and left me wanting to know more without feeling I got too little. As a retired Marine officer, and now a defense contractor with over 25 years in many leadership environments in and out of uniform, I found Fulton's leadership perspectives were right on target.